Food Ventures Program

Who is eligible?

• Farm businesses in Nova Scotia
• Food and beverage processors in Nova Scotia

Who is not eligible

• Companies engaged in the production of cannabis products.

Eligible expenses

• Registration fees for eligible training courses (up to 75% to a maximum of $600 per applicant per year)
• Food safety assessments and coaching provided by Perennia specialists
• Food safety product reviews, including lab analysis and safety parameter testing
• Development of pathogen monitoring programs, including swabbing and product testing
• Routine swabbing and product testing for food pathogens
• Nutrition Facts table creation for eligible products
• Label review for regulatory compliance
• Product assessments and improvements, including analytical testing
• New product development services
• Recommended best before date (shelf life evaluation)
• Label printing, when combined with Perennia label review and/or Nutrition Facts table development (up to $750 per year)
• Purchase of GS1 barcodes (up to $175 per year), when combined with label review and/or Nutrition Facts table development
• Primary packaging purchases for regulatory compliance or market entry (up to $750 per year), when combined with label review and/or Nutrition Facts table development

Eligible geographic areas

• Nova Scotia

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Read the Food Ventures Program guidelines and ensure your project aligns with eligible activities and expenses.
  • Consult Perennia specialists for any technical questions at innovation@perennia.ca (no charge technical advice).
• Step 2: Prepare Application
  • Gather all necessary information and supporting documentation required for the application.
• Step 3: Submit Application
  • Complete the online application form at www.perennia.ca/foodventures, OR
  • Download and fill out the application form from www.perennia.ca/foodventures and email it to foodventures@perennia.ca.
  • Submit the application by the deadline of October 31, 2025.
• Step 4: Project Review and Recommendation
  • A Perennia specialist will review your proposed project and provide a recommendation and estimated cost range through the online portal or via email.
  • You may approve or decline the recommended activities and costs.
  • If you approve, your application is evaluated by a review committee of Perennia and Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture staff.
• Step 5: Application Adjudication
  • The committee reviews complete applications based on the date of receipt.
  • Applicants are notified of the decision.
• Step 6: Letter of Agreement
  • Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Agreement outlining eligible activities, funding awarded, and terms and conditions.
  • Sign and return the Letter of Agreement to proceed.
• Step 7: Approval and Project Start
  • A Perennia specialist will contact you to further define details and provide a quote.
  • Once the quote is signed and any required down payment is received, project work can begin.
• Step 8: Claims Submission
  • After completing eligible activities, complete and sign the claim form sent by Perennia.
  • Attach invoices for all eligible costs and proof of payment for each invoice (acceptable forms: e-transfer confirmation, EFT, debit card receipt, digital image of cleared cheques, wire transfer details or credit card/bank statements).
  • Email the claim and required documents to foodventures@perennia.ca with "CLAIM" in the subject line, or fax to 902-678-7266, or mail to Perennia Food Ventures Program, 28 Aberdeen Street, Kentville, NS B4N 2N1.
  • Submit all claims by February 28, 2026.
• Step 9: Final Evaluation
  • Participate in an evaluation survey if requested by Perennia.

• Applicants under $1,500 in annual gross sales are only eligible for training, food safety product reviews, and Nutrition Facts table creation.
• Technical advice from program specialists is available at no charge as part of the program.
• No payment will be made for claims under $20.00.
• Applicants consent to the release of their name and amount of support received, as this information is deemed public and may be disseminated by Perennia.